Time to go Hillary
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Call me dense but I don't get it. last I looked the delegate count is 51% Obama and 49% Clinton. I'm not a dem but I am trying to think of another contest where the score is 51/49 with 3 months to go and everyone is calling for someone to drop out.
Let em' duke it out already. Anything could happen. Reverend Wright might have a racist brother. On the other side, Hillary's hubby might get caught having an affair with an intern....oh wait...
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
I received this from Jeff Bratz. Kinda cute - just like Jeff. Here is his most recent race report.
Drive 9.0 hours roundrip to Columbia Missouri-$140
Hotel in Columbia, Missouri-$100
Breaking your chain 3.7 miles into bike leg of triathlon-Priceless
Bratz
p.s.-I did carve off 17 seconds from my swim time over my race two weeks ago.
Also kinda cute. Jeff is such an inspiration. Yesterday we were at coffee and I overheard him asking Loren Storts (his coach) if he should start his training run with his left foot or his right foot. Wow, I'm glad I am not a tri guy - too much to think about
Lou
P.S. I hope I didn't give away any top secret proprietary information. I never said what Coach Storts' answer was (left or right). My guess is that it depends on if you're planning to run at a 7:26 pace or a 7:43 pace.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Black Magic
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Did you ever notice that sometimes you just get into the groove? As we know in selling, the best time to close a sale is immediately after you just closed your last sale. There is something very attractive about success. When I close a deal, I always feel anxious to ride the wave and find someone else to share the success with.
With all of the negativity in the news and in the world these days it seems like I continually encounter people looking for something positive to sink their teeth into. But then, I seem to be constantly blessed by positive people crossing my path.
Last night the ride was a ball! But then I can't remember a Tuesday night that wasn't. I hear about how "controversial" it is, but then I consider the sources of the so-called controversy, and realize that their glasses are always half-empty.
For the past couple of weeks there has been a new guy riding with the front group. He's a steady rider who is clearly strong. Last night he approached me about joining the team. After discussing his objectives and our expectations it was clear that he would be a great fit. He used to race in Iowa City and now lives in Des Moines and is enrolled at Des Moines University. That's exciting!
We are planning a race weekend for 2009. The Iowa Cycling Classic Weekend will be held on May 17 & 18th and will include a killer-hilly road race south of Des Moines on Saturday and a criterium at McCrea Park on Sunday. We have formed a committee and the ball is rolling. Expect a juicy cash and prize purse. I spoke to Lane Anderson - Director of All Nine Yards Cycling Team and organizer of the Iowa Cup Points Series who has agreed, in principal, include this new race weekend as part of the Iowa Cup Series. That's Exciting!
We have 57 people on The Rasmussen Race Team including road, dirt and triathlon members. Everyone is totally positive and like-minded. Lots of great ideas and feedback. That's Exciting!
The team newsgroup is a buzz with lots of discussion about Memorial Weekend Bike Races and several of our triathletes are planning to crossover and race on the road. These guys (and gals) are strong - really strong. It is great to see them get turned on to cycling. I want to do my part to make their cycling experience as positive and supportive as they have come to expect from triathlon. That's Exciting!
The Punk Rock Cycling girls have started a new club/development team called "The Asylum". With the success of the Punk Rock Women's Racing Team and a number of women-targeted weekly rides such as The Wednesday ride at The Ritual Cafe', there are more women than ever interested in taking cycling to the next level. That's Exciting!
Cam Kirkpatrick is single handedly destroying the mountain biking scene again this year as the top dog flying the Black Flag. That's Exciting!
The Rasmussen TriTeam is quietly dominating most podiums. From "tri's" to "du's" they are the creme' de la creme' of the sport. That's Exciting!
Finally after a nasty, long winter, the cold temps have given way to spring. It was slightly above 80 degrees as we sat in the parking lot at Grounds for Celebration waiting for the peleton to pass by last night. Nate Bartels and I could feel the sun warming the backs of our jet black team kits. Nate (who has a BS in Physiology) pointed out that studies have proven that teams who wear black colored uniforms statistically perform better than any other color. I knew it.
Black is magic!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
I'm an average Fox-watching dimwit
Monday, April 28, 2008
In the past week I have watched Obama's pastor, Reverend Jeremiah Wright, in an interview on Fox, parts of his speech at the NAACP, and several Youtube clips. The kind reverend is at least a separatist and probably a total racist.
I made this deal with Maria that if the general election were between Obama and McCain we'd both vote Obama. And if it were Clinton vs. McCain we'd vote McCain. But after listening to The kind Rev. and knowing that he was Obama's pastor for decades, performing his wedding, baptising his kids, etc. I think he had to have shaped Barak's views.
What do you think?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNTGRL0OJWQ
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda
If it weren't for bad luck I wouldn't have had any luck at all this weekend.
First the road race, now the crit.
Long story short - I flatted with 9 laps to go in the Old Capitol Criterium after riding at the front and having great legs all day. This race and I don't get along. In 9 or 10 years of racing I think I have only crossed the finish line once.
Sucks to be me.
On a lighter note, Andi drove home while I polished off a nice bottle of Pinot Noir.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Iowa City Road Race
Sunday, April 27, 2008
What would Iowa City be without crazy wind? Today it came from the west at 25mph making for a nasty section between turns 4 and 1. The race is 5 laps - 65 miles which is just perfect and the course is set on beautiful rolling hills in Ahmesh country. In fact, Iowa city and Altoona are very similar.
Today's field was stacked with large teams from Grand Performance, ISCorp, Trek Midwest, All Nine Yards, Mercy Specialized, Bike 2 You, and a few other miscellaneous "onezy, twozy's", including 3 very attractive rockstars wearing all black (Cam Kirkpatrick, Tony Nichols and Yours Truly). I'd guess around 60-80 in all. A nice P12 field.
From the starting whistle the peleton blasted, and I mean blasted into the crosswind section. We were railing it while tipped at a 45 degree angle just to stay upright. Just that first effort gapped the field. The we turned east and let the tailwind push us at 46 mph for 5 miles. That's pretty much how every lap went. So it was important while heading west toward the start/finish line to maintain contact with the main group but save enough to redline it as you turn the corned into the crosswinds section.
On lap #2 Brian Stolte and Lee Venteicher got way with a guy from IS Corp and Mercy. That left only GP and us to do the work to pull them back.
Cam and Tony were both feeling fresh and eager to move to the front. We decided to hold off for a lap hoping that someone else would to the work. Plus, with the Iowa Cup in mind it was better to have a breakaway containing non-Iowa folks (excluding Lee and the Mercy guy who are not in the top 5 on points).
On lap 3 one of the WI teams went to the front and started setting tempo so Cam and Tony joined in and did a perfect job in bringing the breakaway back in.
On lap 4, in the wind section, a small gap of 4 guys formed up the road, and then another of 4 including me. As my group rounded the corner into the tailwind section I put the hammer down. The other guys in tow, we rolled at 45-46 until we caught the lead group. Now there were 8 of us and I thought we were the winning break for sure. But after only a few half-hearted rotations, the main peleton caught us and we were all together again. Cam rode at the front with me, but Tony was absent. It was only after the race that we discovery that he had crossed wheels with someone on the hill just as our breakaway had gotten caught, and went down. He said that he got up immediately but could not reattach with the group into the 25 mph winds. He is taking home a big ol' strawberry on his arss as a souvenir. Not a scratch on the bike though. Nice work today Tony! I could tell you were having a blast and riding strong!
Immediately Trek and IS Corp attacked and were gone again. The peleton let them go. Cam and I decided to sit in and hope for help from the larger teams (recurring theme, I know).
On lap 5 the tempo began to be set. First we caught ISCorp then finally Trek. With 4 miles to go on the final approach, were all together and it was up to me to seal the deal.
With the finishing line just over the hill, my strategy was to roll up the inside. Not usually the best line but with the winds pushing the peleton toward the centerline which was being strictly enforced, I hoped that a lane would open up on the inside. With 500 to go I was sitting perfect - 2 trek guys ahead and then clear blue skies. I stood up and shifted down with 300 to go. All of a sudden both of them sat up! WTF? Their boy was off the front. I grabbed a big handful of brakes as I hit wheels with Stolte. I unclip my left foot and slid along to stay upright. Crap! I clipped back in and crossed the line on the back of the main field - 15th or so. I am not sure of the final results but I think I heard that Trek won. Although the rest of us felt like we were in the hunt, those boys in red, even without Steve Tilford, were in control all day long. Sad but true.
BIG bummer. It is so disappointing to work all day, have such good legs, and have my teammates pour our their guts out only to have something unexpected happen. I can't really fault anyone but myself. In the end, my strategy was probably poor. I should have attacked early and hoped to hold it.
But keeping things in perspective: a bad cycling result, while frustrating, is still better then a great day at the office.
I talked to Cam, who had a great time. Tony was walking gingerly from the crash, but I think he had a chance to remember how much fun bike racing is. I thought about Nate Bartels a couple of times today (the 4th member of the Rasmussen's P12 squad) who was traveling on business. I can't wait to get all 4 of us together in a few races this year.
Finally, my traveling partners; Pete Basso, Brent Mitchell and Kris Kunze - all cat 3's. Their report was all good. Despite drawing the short straw when the peleton spit on lap 3 (in the crosswind section of course), they all worked well and finished together.
Loren Storts finished 4th in his first race ever.
As of now I have not gotten a report from the masters.
From a results standpoint, no bragging rights were earned today, yet we all rode respectably. We executed well and collectively had good fitness. As a team, we are young, strong and very positive. In the end, we showed courtesy, perseverance and indomitable spirit. Nobody quit, nobody was seriously injured. Sometimes finishing results aren't the only measure of success. We will keep executing and the results will follow.
Tomorrow is The Old Capitol Criterium!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Ressssssst - Ahhhhh
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Another rest week nearly in the books.
After taking Thursday and Friday completely off the bike, I decided to get out of town for a day. I called my old (and I mean old) pal Tommy Hickle and drove over to Omaha to spend the evening catching up and being entertained by his great kids - Emily 8, Justin 7 and Amanda 6.
Justin is a whiz at the Wii, Emily has a pet rat and 6 pygmy gerbils, and Amanda has 116 stuffed animals - I am now friends with 3 of them.
Tom and I shared a bachelor pad when we were in our early 20's and he is the guy who is responsible for encouraging me to loose weight when I was 400+ pounds and was a 3 pack a day smoker. His wife, Karen is a saint. I really had a ball hanging out with normal people.
On Saturday morning, we woke up early and headed to the bike shop to meet up with 35 other hearty souls for a bike ride. Bike Masters is one of the world's largest Merlin dealer's. Dave the owner is a great guy and is all about service.
Tom used to be a mid-pack cat 5 but he has not spent much time on the bike this year. I was happy that he was willing to come out and ride with me. He did a respectable job and finished in high spirits. I rode back and forth between the lead group and the rear group. In the end I probably went slightly harder than I should have, but the sun was shining bright and there were lots of irresistible recreational riders on $5000 bikes to dazzle (I am so ashamed).
I think my trips there inspire Tom to live healthier, and I feel like that's my job, he did the same for me. I remember many times in the 80's when he would wait up for me as a struggled to keep up with him while jogging and my man boobs and belly a flappin. Tom never drank or smoked and could usually keep up with even the most athletic female conquest from the disco.
Today he's a pretty average 50 year old guy who is focused on business and fatherhood, leaving little time for himself. On the ride into town I suggested that he try to ride a couple of times a week and walk with his family a couple of times a week just to maintain some fitness. After the ride Karen and the kids met us at Jason's deli. While eating lunch together Tom suggested to Karen that they go for a walk with the kids later in the day. That put a big ol' smile on my face. Everybody ate ice cream. Justin said that Jason's was the best place on the planet. I agree.
There are no friends like old friends. Thanks for treating me like family Tommy.
Tomorrow we're meeting at Ritual Cafe' at 1:00 pm. I'm going to take it very easy.
Monday is a rest day then it is an all out assault on Iowa City next weekend!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Oakley's newest release
Thursday, April 17, 2008
"Monster Kats"
Pictured here in All 9 Green
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
In case you hadn't heard
Three events in the next two weeks will build cycling skills and strength.
See details for all at
www.punkrockcycling.comGroup Cycling: Safety and EtiquetteHosted by the women of All 9 Yards and Punk Rock Cycling Teams,
Presented by Lou Waugaman
Monday, April 21 at 6:00 pm
Pagliais Pizza. Pizza and event are free.
5312 Merle Hay Road in Johnston
Come enjoy pizza and gain useful information
for both competitive and recreational riders
about the dynamics of group cycling.
Race Like a GirlSeries begins Thursday, April 24
Union Park, Des Moines at 5:30
Tune up your racing and group riding skills.
Gain speed. Beginner-friendly races for men and women.
Kidsitting provided. Great prizes. Cheap entry.
PRC Training DuathlonsSeries Begins Thursday, May 1
Big Creek State Park at 6:00 p.m.
Kidsitting. Cheap Entry. Nice flat roads.
2-mile run/12-mile bike/2-mile run
details at
www.punkrockcycling.comAuthor: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Tuesday Mail Bag
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Punk Rock Cycling
Jane and Kelli tore it up this weekend in Lincoln. On Saturday Kelli (cat 4) entered the women’s open division and took the win - closely followed by Jane Riessen in 2nd. Then, on Sunday, Jane scored the gold and Kelli finished 3rd. Way to go Girls!
Rest Week
After successful opening month of racing it is time for a well-deserved break. I am planning to take it down a couple of notches this week and weekend – maybe ride the Columbia Cruiser to Farmer’s Market. Iowa City is in two weeks. The course is set in the Amish Country south of Iowa City. It will be my next crack at Master Tilford.
Retirement?
Two things could cause me to retire from cycling; 1. Beating Steve Tilford (see above) 2. Getting dropped by any girl on a training ride.
Paris-Roubaix
Tom Boonen (Quikstep) proved once again - is the man! He and I ride the same bike. We are both 6’4” (he is 10 lbs lighter). He has more hair. I have a magic fork. Magnus Backstedt (Slipstream-Chipotle) makes us both look scrawny.
TNWC
The big ride is tonight. It's supposed to be 70 degrees, with south winds gusting to 40mph. Bring your 11 tooth it's gonna be crazy heading out of Ankeny.
Coffee
I am planning to have coffee at Grounds for Celebration in Beaverdale this afternoon at 4:45 before heading to the ride at 5;30. Join me if interested.
Specialized is cool
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Finchford Roubaix Race Report
Monday, April 14, 2008
(L-R: Nate Bartels, Brent "Pig" Mitchell, Lou Waugaman, "Pistol" Pete Basso)
I suppose it would be bad for me to complain about the weather with my girlfriends Jane and Kelli from
Punk Rock Cycling racing in snow covered roads in sleet, 20 mph winds and 30 degree temps in Lincoln Nebraska on Saturday. But I can’t help it. It was frickin’ cold on Sunday in Finchford.
Backing up a little, Nathan Bartels, Brent “Pig” Mitchell, and Pete Basso all met at my house bright and early. We loaded four bikes, all our gear and 16 gallons of Gatorade (for Brent to stay “hydrated”) into the TourEg. We stuffed Nate’s nasty-assed Orbea Orca inside so that the three Specialized thoroughbreds could don the roof racks in all their splendor.
Pete called me the night before suggesting that my proposed departure time of 7:45 was way early. But me and my hard head insisted. Our race started at 1:00 pm and when I did the math backwards it seemed correct. But as we approached the spec on the map called Finchford at 10:30 - the ribbing began. (Actually the ribbing started along the hwy 330 diagonal when I pointed out my aunt and uncles house and a little indiscretion that occurred in my youth with my second cousin. 2nd cousins are ok where I come from).
The P12 race was predictable. Everyone from All 9 Yards, 4 Mercy guys, the full squad from Bikes 2 You, a couple of Grand Performance guys, Nate and Me. Nate has been focused on skiing and swimming so he was along to race into form for Iowa City and not expecting results today. I was feeling great and expecting good things but was quickly hit with a dose of reality that it is a cold world out there without the support of a team.
A9Y executed well on their strategy. After 8-9 attacks, and my covering each one alone, I realized that A9 would not work in any breaks because they had numbers.
[ one interesting side note: My bottle cages are worn out. So I planned to carry one bottle in my jersey and another on my bike. When the race started I realized that I left one bottle in my truck. Then, on the start of lap #2 I hit a large bum and popped the bottle on my bike from the cage. Crap! No water and most of the race ahead of me. Luckily, on about lap #4 I saw Jerome holding out a bottle in the feed zone for one of his team mates and I moved to the right and snatched (stole it really) it from his hands. WooHoo – score! ]
On lap 5 (of 10) a separation occurred heading toward the only climb in the race. I sat in hoping that the peleton would bring them back, but unfortunately, the chase faded and I was forced to attempt to bridge up to the breakaway group. As I topped the hill I was 200 yards in front of the pack and only 30 feet from the three-man break of Jared Osterloch (A9Y), Dewey Dickey (Mercy-Specialized) and Sean Walker (B2U). As they rounded the corner I screamed to them to soft peddle. 4 guys is always better than 3. But no luck. It was TT time. I tucked in and took it to the redline. But I could only hold the 30-40 feet and eventually started to fade. By the end of the lap I was in “no man’s land”. I looked around and saw a chase group. So I sat up. When they came up it was the 2 Grand Performance guys towing Lee Venteicher (B2U) and Dave Lippold (A9Y) who did not pull since they had teammates in the breakaway.
The three of us worked together and by the 8th lap we had the leaders in our sights. I mean they were close – maybe a football field ahead. They had to have been shocked. I know I was. Unfortunately it was not in the cards today. If we had one more lap, the story would be very different. But today I would be sprinting for 4th.
As we approached the gradual ascent to the finish, GP sent one of their guys off the front. He dangled about 100 feet up the road before Lee hit the gas. Dave pulled in behind Lee and I caught a sweet spot behind Dave.
We caught the GP guy at 400 meters when I attacked the group and easily took the field sprint for 4th.
Smart racing by All 9 Yards today.
Also, I noticed that all of their squad finished the race today. If I provided some motivation in that – then I am satisfied.
In the cat 3 race, last years’ freshly upgraded cat 4 winner, Brent Mitchell, settled for 2nd today. He worked a nice race though, and edged out Steve Robinson (A9Y) by inches to win the field sprint finish. Way to go Piggy! Bonus, he won a nice tool box in a raffle. Unfortunately, our vehicle was so loaded down, we had to ask someone else to carry it home.
Mike Johnson and the folks from Bike Tech put on a super race dispite the nasty weather conditions including a smorgasboard of delicious sandwiches, bagels, fruit, cookies, brownies, hot coffee and Gatorade.
Last, we are so fortunate to have an official like Mark Guthart here in Iowa. Along with Brett patrolling the centerline on the morotcycle, we have some of the best officiating around. Thanks Boys!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Flying New Colors
Wednesday, April 09, 2008
Rasmussen Death Squad 5000 Race Team
Black is beautiful!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Big Creek Road Race Recap
Monday, April 07, 2008
Well, Steve Tilford is the "real deal" (as if there were any question).
With rain and high winds in the forecast, I prepared for a typical nasty Iowa spring day as I packed the truck for the day. The biggest prep hassle was finding something that would cut through the Accelorade gel that coated my top tube and chainstays from the full packet that squeezed onto it yesterday as I tried to re-fuel during the race. I was so cross-eyed I couldn't find my mouth (note to self; that stuff turns into cement when air dried on a carbon frame on the 70 mph trip atop my truck fron Altoona to West Des Moines).
The weather held and in fact, the day was relatively mild. The sun even appeared for a while. The course is a mostly flat, non-descript series of right turns in and around Big Creek Lake State Park. The only chance of using anything other that leg power to win was a steady 25 mph wind straight out of the south creating a tricky, half-mile cross wind section heading east.
I was curious to see how my legs would feel after the pounding from yesterday but to my surprise I felt like a rockstar. I am such a believer in post race recovery. Yesterday, I came straight home and made up a freezing ice bath where I sat for 15 minutes drinking a big bottle of Endurox. Then I took a warm shower, shaved and had a glass of nonfat chocolate milk, a banana and a protein bar before laying down for nice 1 hour nap. I woke up feeling 1000% better.
Fast-forward to today's race:
On laps 2 and 3 the Trek Boys (now 3 riders strong) attacked and guttered everyone in the cross wind section. Each time, Cody McCullough (scV/IFab) and I made the cut. But our small group could not hold the selection once we turned South into the headwind.
Finally, on lap 3 of 10, Sean Walker (B2Y) attacked and Steve Tilford bridged up to him. The two of them disappeared over the horizon as the rest of us let out a collective sigh of relief, obviously fine with spending the remainder of the day racing for 3rd.
Lane Anderson and Jared Osterloch were the two other A9Y guys still animating the race with me and we stayed toward the front most of the day, covering multiple attacks. With 1500 meters to go, a Grand Performance guy had rolled off the front and was in good position to take 3rd. Lane came around and laid down a monster effort to bring the GP guy back and give Jared and I a chance to score. We were both in perfect position to close the deal. As I stood to drop the hammer we crossed the finish line. WFT??? The finish line had been moved from "past" the final turn last year to "at" the final turn this year. When the heck did that happen? Where was the announcement? Ah well, that's probably my fault for not figuring it out ahead of time.
Another strong race. I am having a ball with this single minded (temporary) life of pouring everything into going fast on two wheels.
I think I finished 6th (on back-to-back days). Depending on how Cody finished today and how Sean finished yesterday, I may have the early lead in the Iowa Cup Series.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Altoona Road Race Recap
Sunday, April 06, 2008
Saturday, April 5th, marked the opening of the 08 Iowa Cup series. My team (Allnineyards.com) hosts this race along with the Big Creek Road Race the following day. Lane and Dave do nice work in organizing the events and they are well attended by the Iowa guys hoping to gain some early Cup Points but also tend to draw a crowd from around the Midwest.
Cat 1 teams from Bikes to You, Mercy-Specialized, Flanders, Kaos, Lincoln Plating, Poweraide/Independent Fabrications and others sent healthy contingents. At the last minute Lane sent a note to the team that Trek-Midewest pro's Steve Tilford and Brian Stolte planned to attend.
I was excited, Steve Tilford is one of my role models. He is a a multiple-time World Champion as well as a member of the Cycling Hall of Fame. This spring my fitness has never been better, so lined up at the start line fully expecting to join Steve and Brian in animating the race.
A very large field (31) sat on their top tubes shivering as we listenened to Mark Guthart give final instructions. We rolled out at 10:00 am as the morning sun warmed the day. Fortunately (or unfortunately, depending upon ones perspective) extra warm spring days in Iowa usually included heavy doses of wind. Today's forecast was for 65 degrees and a 25 mph SSW wind.
The group stayed together for the first of the 6 - 13.5 miles laps. Then on lap 2, as we approached a group of women racers climbing a nice hill, Tilford and Stolte hit the gas, using the other group to block the echelon. Luckily I had been marking them and made the cut, along with two guys from Team Kaos. A quick look back showed a small gap being filled by on one, and we were off.
The five of us worked well together, but I found myself on the rivet more than once.
After 3 more laps we had created a 2 minute gap according to the officials on the motorcycles. I began to think about the finish. Always feeling good about my chances in a sprint finish, I wondered if I had the legs to challenge against this elite group.
Rounding the 3 corner of lap 5, fate would factor into my changes of a win. I flatted. CRAP! My parters soft peddled, but when the wheel truck failed to appear, they hit the gas and were gone. When the wheel truck finally arrived I got a new wheel in what can only be described as the slowest exchange in history (I hate to be too harsh since eveyone helping at these events are volunteers, in the end I was just thankful that he showed up and helped me to stay in the race).
Now I was in no man's land. Dave Cornielsen, one of the motorcycle support guys rolled up and said that I still had 1:40 on the chase group, as I rounded the last corner or lap five. One lap to go. I pinned my ears back and hoped that my team was doing their best to slow things down.
About halfway into the final lap, Cody Mccullogh (Poweraide/IFab) bridged up to me and had relatively fresh legs and the two of us traded pulls into the nasty, nasty head wind.
Was we rounded the final turn toward the finish we played a little game of cat and mouse since he and are both from Iowa and were hopeful to take the early Iowa Cup points lead. I worked into perfect position to win the sprint. But my legs were burnt toast and he edged me by half a wheel to take 5th.
I left it all on the road today. I was totally spent. It was a bitter sweet race. I felt great about racing strong, and not giving up, but still can't erase the thoughts of what might have been.
Luckily, tomorrow is a new sunny day.
Bill Stolte (Trek), Steve Tilford (Trek), Matt Landon (Kaos), Ian Gray (Kaos), Lou Waugaman (A9Y) - the winning break.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
A Week in the Life - Day 5
Friday, April 04, 2008
Friday
I woke up feeling great! I went to bed last night at 9:00 and slept til 7:00. 10 Hours - perfect!
I hit the gym and did some core work. Prairie Life is the best bargain in town. $60 bucks a month. I use their water, towels, soap, deodorant and moisturizer. Top notch yoga and spinning classes are included. In the summer they have a rockstar pool, and the cardio and Resistance facilities are second to none. During my sabbatical I'll bet I average 20 hours (plus) a week there.
Right now I am enjoying a cup of Joe at Amici while writing a few emails.
This afternoon a few of us are meeting at Rasmussen Bike Shop at 3:00 for a pre-race shakedown ride. Join us if interested.
When: 3:00 pm
Where: Rasmussen Bike Shop (Grand at 63rd)
Route: In-town to Fairgrounds then back.
Pace: Endurance with a couple of kick-ups.
2:30 Update - WoooHoo - it's 56 degrees! I hope that you are outside today. If you are racing in green and have not seen the blog, we are planning to meet at the Altoona race course to sweep corners at 5:30. Tomorrow the forecast is for bright sunshine and 67 degrees (oh, and a little wind to scare the faint of heart).
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
A Week in the Life - Day 4
Thursday
After three good days of riding it was finally time to rest. I'm playing with something different in preparation for the long race on Saturday. 90 miles is long for this time of year. I have put in some big training days this winter so I feel ready but want to start the day fully rested.
Usually I train hard on Tuesday and Thursday but this week I took advantage of an easy weekend last weekend and started my week by going hard and long on Monday. Then put in a couple of hours before drilling it on Tuesday, Then I went long (and mostly easy) on Wednesday.
So today I was a slug. I slept in and then went to a Yoga class and then stayed off my feet, ate perfect and drank a ton of water. Finally, I was in bed by 9:00 bells.
In the afternoon I went to the Fleur 4 Theater and watched Funny Games. This is a movie that I have been highly anticipating. I started noticing the trailers several months ago but never saw it hit the theaters. For some reason it never showed at the mainstream theaters like Jordan Creek. Once I sat though it though, I understood why.
It is customary to describe film directors who keep a tight rein on their audience’s responses, who coldly and meticulously manipulate emotion, as sadists. Not necessarily in a bad way. In Michael Haneke, the directors of Funny Games case, I can only describe this as two hours of my life that I'll never get back. The movie was simply clammy and repellent. Oh the movie efficiently induces a state of panic and dread, features some fine bits of acting, especially from Tim Roth and Naomi Watts but ultimately falls flat on it's face.
I'll save you the price of admission - Mom, dad and son all die without even so much as a slight fight.
I know - stick to bike racing, you'll never make it as a movie critic.
8:00 - 10:00 Email, banana.
10:00 - 11:00 Yoga with Janice
12:00 - 1:00 Tax man
2:00 - 3:30 Nappy time
4:30 - 6:00 Movie
7:00 - 8:00 Jasons Deli
9:00 Lights out.
Nutrition
2 Protein bars
1 Protein shake
1 huge baked potato with chopped chicken breast and salsa sauce
100 oz water
Calories: 2000
Protein: 150gm
Carbs: 100gm
Saturated fat: 10gm
Notes: Another stellar day. Usually I have a hard time controlling the calories on rest days but things fell into place today. Friday I hope to rest well, have a 90 minute pre-race ride and be feeling like I have been shot out of a cannon on Saturday.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
A Week in the Life - Day 3
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Wednesday.
Up late Tuesday night. Today is an easy day. The weather is supposed to be good for riding and I don't have anything specific to do except a couple of meetings and an ride easy for a few hours.
8:00 - 10:00 Mojo bar, email, etc.
10:00 - 11:00 coffee with Kim West. Kim is hosting a cool radio show about cycling and we talked about that. I am planning to call in to discuss my recent race at Kent park as well as the upcoming Iowa Cup race series.
11:00 - 11:30 More coffee with Rob Versteegh. Rob is my bud and keeps me hooked up with awesome Oakley gear. I got a totally rockstar pair of white Radar's today. Can't wait to see if the make me go faster this weekend!
12:00 - 1:00 lunch with The Redhead. (dry salad and 2 egg whites) She is still floating over her new (used) car. Her old boyfriend gave her a subwoofer. Lovely. One of her other friends installed it for her. According to her, once the final screws are installed she will be "chillin".
1:30 - 2:30 Nappy time!
2:30 - 3:00 Quick stop at the gym for a protein shake
3:00 - 4:00 Rode to Zanzibars for more coffee (good thing I drink decaf) with Nate Bartles. Nate is one cool dude. He rides for Team Type 1 - a D3 pro team. His primary role is as diabetes spokesman. But he is definitely figuring out how to go fast this year. I can't wait to start racing with him. Anyhow, we did some urban riding and racing through traffic (most people hate traffic, I strangely enjoy it).
4:00 - 5:00 Nate and I met up with Kelli Mente and looped up around Union Park before finishing at Ritual Cafe' for the Wednesday Ride.
5:30 - 7:30 About 30 people showed up for the ride. Ate a quick vegan peanut butter cookie. After some brief introductions, we headed south to complete a route around Moffit Lake. Somehow the group split up and we ended up riding back in in clumps. I rode slightly harder that I planned, but no worries. I have Thursday and Friday to recovery.
7:30 - 8:30 I quick bite to eat at Z'mariks (Chicken pasta, salad, two large slices of bread) then off to hang out with my boys.
8:30 - 10:30 Highquest Men's group bible study. This is the highlight of my week. It is a group of guys who gather weekly for fellowship and bible study.
10:30 - 11:30 Big bowl O popcorn, watched American Idol results. Off to bed
Totals:
Chamois time: 5 hours (actual riding time less)
Calories: 3500
Protein: 250gm
Carbs: 300gm
fat: 20 gm
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Ten Commandments of Training
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
In this months issue of VeloNews Joel Friel has an interesting article entitled "The Ten Commandments of Training".
I'm not going to post all ten but the first one really caught my attention. He placed it first because he feels like it it the number one area of opportunity for most people.
When I read it I think about lots of people that I ride with who just can't seem to grasp the concept. How many times have you heard someone say (or maybe said yourself), I was right there until this or that happened? The fact is, you only thought you were in the mix. When that little "thing" (attack, hill, acceleration, gap, crosswind, missed wheel, etc.) happened, it was all part of the plan and you have been planning to miss the move and settle for pack fodder spokesmodel.
He is Joel's #1 nugget of advice:
Train Moderately
Your body has limits when it comes to endurance, speed and strength. Muscles will only contract forcefully a certain number of times before they refuse to pull hard again. The biggest mistake of most athletes is to make the easy days too hard, so when it comes time for a hard training day, they can't go hard enough. By progressing carefully, especially with intensity, you'll gradually get stronger and there will be time and energy for other pursuits in life. An athlete who enjoys training will get more benefits for it than one who is always on the edge of over training.
There you have it. The SECRET! I truly believe that in one short paragraph, Joel has captured the essence of going really fast. So, that is why base miles are so important. Once a good base is established it is not necessary to put in huge miles, but rather to rest, rest, rest so that you can go harder than ever when you start building intensity.
When I made this small tweak in my training it changed everything. I began to reap huge benefits which reflected in my race results.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
A Week in the Life - Day 2
Tuesday, April 01, 2008
Got 10 hours of great sleep last night. No crazy dreams (that I can remember). Woke up at 6 (no alarm) and did some bookwork and asswered some email. The PRC Duathlon is tenatively scheduled for this thursday and I am running the picrophone and serving as MC so I did a little research on Duathlons.
6:00 - 10:00 coffee, protein bar. Worked on the computer.
10:00 - 11:00 Yoga class at Prairie Life with Janice. Protein shake afterward.
12:00 - 2:00 programmed new DVR - No more missing American Idol !!!
2:00 - 3:00 nappy time
3:00 - 3:30 prep for TNWC, protein/carb bar
4:00 - 7:45 leave from Bike World for shake down ride before meeting at TNWC
8:00 - 9:30 Meet my peeps at Taki for sushi
10:00 - 11:00 check email, watch American Idol, hit the sack.
Notes: Felt 100% today. Great ride tonight. Perfect day.
Totals
Saddle time: 3.5 hours (2 hrs of race pace).
Yoga: 1 hour
Calories: 3500
Protein: 250 gm
Carbs: 200 gm
Saturated fat: 20 gm
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
A Week in the Life - Day 1
Monday, March 31, 2008
I am on Hiatus. After working with my nose to the screen for a decade, I decided to take a few months off to smell the roses. Andi is finishing her last year of high school - lots of basketball and great times. I have set some lofty cycling goals and determined that I may be running out of time to do some of the things I've been wanting to do my entire life - address my bucket list if you will.
You might wonder how a guy could fill his day if not punching a timeclock. But any of you who are cyclists understand that it's hot hard to fill a dy on the bike. So I thought I'd keep a journal this week of just how I am spending my time, including the cross training that I am doing and what am eating.
Installment Number One - Monday
6:00 wake up (no alarm). I hit the sack at 8:30 on Sunday night so I got 9.5 hours of good sleep.
6:00 - 8:00 Clean house, laundry, check email, unpack and clean bike from race yesterday, pack for the gym. Ate a banana on the way to the gym.
9:00 - 10:00 lifted shoulders. Drank a post workout protein shake.
11:00 - 2:00 3 hour training ride (50% zone 2, 50% zone 3). Protein bar and 3 bottles of water on the bike.
2:00 Post workout meal - small salad, pear, orange, half left over barbecue pork meat only.
2:30 - 3:30 nappy time.
3:30 - 4:30 check email, organize paperwork pack for gym. 32 oz water
4:30 - 6:30 lift - back and biceps, abs.
7:00 - 8:30 Supper, daily Bible devotion, TV (Dancing with the Stars hehe). Supper - Chicken Sante Fe, steamed asparagus, 3 oz TCBY frozen yogurt, big bowl O popcorn
9:00 Mojo Protein bar - Hit the sack
Monday Totals:
Cardio Exercise: 3 hours
Resistance Exercise: 3 hours
TV Time (bad): 3 hours
Devotional time: 1 hour
Calories consumed: 3100
Protein: 220 gm
Carbs: 220 gm
Saturated fat: 25 gm
Notes: Andi started working at Dahl's today and was scheduled until close. Hopefully I can snag her for lunch tomorrow. I felt well rested today. Normally, Monday is my rest day but this past weekend was Kent Park - a very short race, plus I replaced my normal Saturday training ride with a pre-race workout. So I opted to train today.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Pimp my Ride
Sunday, March 30, 2008
A.K.A. Kent Park Race Report
Good thing I am a planner. I believe that being ready is half of success. Luckily last night I had packed my bike, all my gear and filled up the tank so that I all that was needed this morning was to roll out of bed into my sweats, push the Colgate-covered tooth brush across my teeth and I was on the road. Lucky for me because I pulled the totally techie blunder of setting the alarm on my cell phone for 4:20 PM instead of AM. So at about 5:30, just as I was ready to march into a fire-spitting cavern along with my entire family (I really need to have my dreams analyzed some day) I woke up and looked at the clock.
A 5:30 departure might not seem really late for an 8:30 start time only 120 miles aways except that I needed to drop The Redhead off in Cedar Rapids where she was scheduled to practice for an all-state basketball game at 8:00 bells in preparation for the game later in the day. Yes...we were LATE.
I cashed in several karma points (are they points of credits? I dunno) doing 85-90 on I-80, anyhow I successfully dropped her off and arrived at Kent Park at exactly 8:17. Luckily I had changed en route. I was the "Mr. Magoo-like" dude driving the silver TourEg using both lanes while steering with his knee.
I got one full-4 mile practice lap in before Mark Guthart said "your off".
From the get go, some knuckle head hit the gas and we all bolted in chase. But evidently not so fast that the 3, 4, 5's and womens groups caught us.
After a lap Lee Venteigher and Paul Denninger were off the front. I waited for just the right spot and blasted off myself. Cody McCullough came along in tow. Within a minute or two we had caught Paul and Lee and the 4 of us set out to "keep it smooth".
The entire race is only 6, 4-mile laps and a after the 4th lap, Lee started to sag. I had a feeling he was playing games (he is a wiley vereran), in fact I told Cody as much, but we opted to soft peddle a couple of times to keep him in the group. This turned out to be a BIG mistake.
On the final lap we started playing cat and mouse about 2 miles out, knowing that the peleton would not catch us.
As we rolled down the final decent, Lee hit the gas from the outside. I followed, fully expecting to catch him, but instead he hit the hurt box - big time, and sailed in for the win about 2 bike lengths ahead of me. Cody and Paul rolled in for 3rd and 4th respectively.
I'm betting that Lane, Kurt, Jarod and the rest of the boys in Green did a nice job of slowing things down in the hopes of getting a win for A9Y. So I was disappointed to let them down. That's the thing about having a solid team. You know that everyone is doing their job for the win. You hate to be the guy who didn't deliver.
Personally I was disappointed too. I was never once in trouble and was expecting to put all of my winter training into a nice repeat.
Tomorrow's a new day - time to look forward to Altoona next week.
Once again, Conn and crew did a fine job putting on a great race. It was good to see everyone after a long winter all smiles carrying cases of beer and big nasty pies.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Happy Girl
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Fresh off a whirlwind spring break trip to the Caribbean and sporting new wheels (courtesy of grandpapa - complete with aftermarket CD player), Andi is back to her normal giggly self.
This afternoon we hung out in our den. She downloaded pictures from the trip onto our computer and at the same time burned CD's and updated her Face book "thing" while I sat on a stool playing guitar and watching the NCAA's. Even though we were doing separate things it is just nice to be together. Afterward we took a mini shopping excursion to Target, the best place in the world to fill a cart full of treasures for less than a $100 bucks.
She'll be going to Kirkwood in the fall to play basketball and learn about life. In the meantime she will be working at Dahl's and playing in a college league a couple of night per week.
This weekend she was invited to play in a tournament in Cedar Rapids so I will be taking her there early on Sunday before backtracking to Kent Park to do the Pie Race and the head back to CR to watch her play.
These are the best of times.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Tough Guy Points
Sunday, March 23, 2008
With temps hovering around 30 and winds gusting over 20 mph, I tried to bail on today's ride along with everyone else, but DQ shamed me back into it. I'm glad he did. In fact only he and I met at Starbucks at 2:00. After a quick saddle adjustment we headed west to complete the Van Meter loop. We enjoyed the afternoon catching up. DQ has been busy with the Punk Rock Squad, and I have been, well, you know.
This was my first ride on the new rig, and I was anxious to put it through the paces. I was just finishing a rest week so the true test won't come until Tuesday night, but the early verdict is a resounding "yeehaw".
The ride is stiff, really, really stiff, yet compliant. You're probably asking how can a ride be both stiff and complaint? I asked DQ, fresh off a week at Specialized Headquarters the same thing. He'll have to explain it, but it's true. I hit the gas going up the hill heading west out of town on Grand and there was not even the slightest hint of flex in the front end. The bike is so light (14.6 lbs) that it actually surges ahead as you pedal it.
Over the weekend I glued some new Conti tubulars on my 404's so I tested those today which further pimped out my crotch rocket.
My only complaint is that the carbon seatpost kept slipping down. There is supposed to be some nifty lube that will correct this.
So the verdict; Great bike, and a perfect afternoon shakedown ride.
Next Weekend - Kent Park - giddy up!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
He is risen!
Easter
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Easter is the most important religious feast in the Christian liturgical year.[1] It is belived by the Christians to be the resurrection of Jesus, which Christians believe occurred on the third day after his crucifixion around AD 33. Many non-religious cultural elements have become part of the holiday, and those aspects are often celebrated by many Christians.
Easter also refers to the season of the church year called Eastertide or the Easter Season. Traditionally the Easter Season lasted for the forty days from Easter Day until Ascension Day but now officially lasts for the fifty days until Pentecost. The first week of the Easter Season is known as Easter Week or the Octave of Easter.
Easter is termed a moveable feast because it is not fixed in relation to the civil calendar. Easter falls at some point between late March and late April each year (early April to early May in Eastern Christianity), following the cycle of the moon. After several centuries of disagreement, all churches accepted the computation of the Alexandrian Church (now the Coptic Church) that Easter is the first Sunday after the first fourteenth day of the moon (the Paschal Full Moon) that is on or after the ecclesiastical vernal equinox.
Easter is linked to the Jewish Passover not only for much of its symbolism but also for its position in the calendar. The Last Supper shared by Jesus and his disciples before his crucifixion is generally thought of as a Passover meal, based on the chronology in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 26:17; Mark 14:12; Luke 22:7). The Gospel of John, however, speaks of the Jewish elders not wanting to enter the hall of Pilate in order "that they might eat the Passover", implying that the Passover meal had not yet occurred (John 18:28; John 19:14).[2] Thus, John places Christ's death at the time of the slaughter of the Passover lamb, which would put the Last Supper slightly before Passover, on 14 Nisan of the Bible's Hebrew calendar.[3] According to The Catholic Encyclopedia, "In fact, the Jewish feast was taken over into the Christian Easter celebration."
Lutheran Church of Hope Schedule
(I'll be at the 11:00 service)
Easter Weekend
"Believable"
message by Pastor Mike Housholder
Saturday - March 22
5:00 pm
Sunday - March 23
Sunrise Service"The Morning News"6:30 am
Celebration Easter services 8:00, 9:15* & 11:00 am, 5:00 pm
He is risen indeed.
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
08' race rig is ready for action
Saturday, March 22, 2008
I will be riding this expensive hunk of sweetness this year. It is an 08' Specialized S-Works SL2.
The rest of the team will be on Guru's. They are also very nifty bikes but I am a fat ass sprinter and I think I need the additional stiffness. I have raced on aluminum for years and have grown accustomed the harshness. Too bad that I won't match, but I hope the boys in green don't dis-own me.
Here are the stats:
Make: 08' Specialized S-Works SL2 frame and fork
Color: Nude carbon/White
Size: 61cm
Groupo: Shimano Dura-Ace
Bars: 44mm Ritchey WCS aluminum
Stem: 120mm Ritchey Aluminum
Seat Post: Specialized Carbon
Saddle: Specialized Toupe (while/silver 143cm)
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace 11-21
Wheels: Zipp 404 Carbon tubular
Tires: Continental 700X22
Peddles: Speedplay Zero
Bottle Cages: RavX Carbon
Cabling: Shimano XTR
Overall Weight: 14.6 lbs (yes, 14.6 lbs. - not including peddles)
DQ, fresh off a weeks training at Specialized HQ tells me this frame is the most technically advanced frame in the world. It is the second lightest (Scott is slightly lighter but not near as stiff). The headtube/headset assembly is a combination of 1 1/2" and 1 1/8" bearings. The lower bearing is recessed into the headtube which effectively redistributes the stress from the fork joint to the massive down tube. In addition, the frame is jointed at very different points which creates additional stiffness.
I rode it last night in the rollers. Obviously I was not able to put any torque or pressure on it, but it felt crazy stiff and freakishly light. Yet the ride felt plush. I can't wait to ride her tomorrow and race next weekend!
I don't usually name my bikes but I think I may turn over a new leaf with this beauty!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Tucson Recap #3
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Well, the 08 version of Training Camp is in the can. This year will be one of the most memorable ever for several reasons. To me, the riding and the climbs and weather are all secondary. The main factor in the enjoyment of the trip is the dynamic of the group.
I sent out a note last fall to check the interest in joining me for the trip. As it turned out, Kris Kunze (cat 3 phenom) has relatives who just happened to have a large townhouse smack-dab in the center of town and they would be away for the week. Score!!!
Rick Noyse (Mercy-Specialized), Dustin Mars (triathlete), Tony Muse (World Inline Skating Champion), Kris Kunze and Brent Mitchell (Rassmussen Death Squad 5000) [makes me smile just typing that team name] rounded out the ensemble of happy campers.
The weather was slightly on the chilly side compared to years past, but the sun shined bright every day. Most days we woke up early and made a coffee run to Starbucks before returning to the house for breakfast. We sat around exchanging the bull and listening to Pig deliver movie quotes while waiting for the morning sun to warm the day. With no agenda other than riding our bikes there was no reason not to just ride during the best part of the day.
We did what I sold as a "shakedown" ride, after arriving on Wednesday afternoon. I took way, way too much grief all week from this ride. As it turned out some of our campers have not been logging their base training in preparation for this camp. But aside from greater than expected volume of school girl whining, I think everyone got what they had hoped for from the variety of rides and routes that we completed.
I was the only single guy in the group. Now one would think that I am about to launch into some dialogue about girl watching and rotting the married guys brains but actually there is a certain Phillie who currently has my full attention, and to the wives, you'll be happy to know that they talked more about their families than girl watching. My theory is that some of them are so happy because their wives must be waiting on them hand and foot to the point that they think that a fairy shows up in the middle of the night and empties the trash, washes the dishes and places new toilet paper rolls in the bathrooms...
I will remember the Burritos at Beeline, Pig's quote of the day, Frogger, Rick eating $75 of sushi for $19.95 and then farting it all over us the next night (ok, ok, he had some help), Herbie (I mean Kirby), adjusting bike helmet chin straps, watching Youtube vidoes of Tony laying it down at the X-Games, arriving at the pie shop atop Mt. Lemmon with no pies, freezing on the way down, The Saturday Shootout with 250 other guys, Dustin snoring, dinner with Dennis and Janee', PJ Harrigan randomly dropping in at Paradise Valley, oh crap!, how could I almost forget? - the lady with the nose cover and Rick suggesting that she try to avoid semi's pulling mobile homes, the warmth as I stepped off the plane into the desert,
We ate great food, drank a couple of beers and shared tons of laughs and did a little cycling when we found the time.
I'm already thinking and hoping for a replay next year!
Author: Lou Waugaman » Comments:
Tucson Recap #2
The Setup
This year marks my 5th spring trip to Tucson for spring training. 2 years ago I went to Texas while racing with Team Mack. It was ok, but I really missed the long climbs and bike friendly atmosphere of Tucson. Plus, two of my favorite climbs are here.
Mt. Lemmon crests at 9,500 feet and has 25 miles of 6% climbing to the summit. The road is perfect with nothing but endless switchbacks and beautiful blacktop. The views are breathtaking if you remember to look. This climb passes through 8 different ego systems including desert, rock, alpine, evergreen and snow.
Friendly competition
There had been slightly less smack then in past years leading up to the 08' version of the climb, but there was talk through the grapevine that there would be "a few things planned for me this year". Last year, during an email based smackdown, one guy said he was looking forward to making me watch the stitching in his chamois as it slowly disappeared in front of me. Big talkin' - it didn't happen.
For this story's sake it is important to say that I totally respect everyone that I ride and race with. And I must concede that I really suck at smack. Maybe I'm just thin skinned. I remember once when I was 450 pounds someone I respected told me that they needed to send me to the fat farm. Years later, it motivated me as I was loosing the weight. Today the guy that made the remark is now an overweight truck driver with hypertension and I am on to better things, including giving the guy who made the chamois comment every opportunity to make good on his challenge.
So you can rest assured, I showed up in Tucson ready to drive the screws or face the music without excuses.
The Report
A group of some of Iowa's best cyclists, triathletes and smack talkers converged on the the sunny desert cycling mecca in Arizona. The boys staying in Phoenix (JJ Bailey, Tony Nichols, Jason Halfpap, Louis Dewild, Ben Garrett, Loren Storts and Reed Rinderknecht) drove down to meet up with my group (Brent Mitchell, Kris Kunze, Tony Muse, Rick Noyse, Dustin Mars and me).
For some wacky reason, Dustin and Pig took off for the climb alone and were somewhere ahead of us on the mountain. After a 2 hour warm-up ride through town we approached the base of the climb in a large pack. This was the first time up the mountain for many of the guys in the group and I could tell everyone was tentative. Almost immediately Tony and JJ moved to the front and started setting light tempo.
In years past I have focused on setting a steady tempo and holding it for the duration. I like using heart rate over power on race day (remember Mt. Lemmon is a race in "Louie"ville). This year my primary objective was to arrive at the top ahead of everyone, and to challenge myself to set a PR for the climb. I planned to sit in and see who was still with me at mile 10 and then deal with each guy individually.
I made a small move to the front and slowly started easing the throttle to wide open.
I found myself all alone almost immediately so I decided to focus on the PR. I rode at 180 bpm for the first 60 minutes and then settled in at 168 bpm</
